Auratus Red Var Research Articles

Analyzing homoeolog expression provides insights into the rediploidization event in gynogenetic hybrids of Carassius auratus red var.\u2009\xd7\u2009Cyprinus carpio

Rediploidization is considered to be a part of the evolutionary history of allotetraploids, and resulted in the emergence of novel epigenetic regulatory activities. To study the changing patterns of gene expression following the reduction of a genome by 50%, we used RNA-seq and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to investigate total gene expression and homoeolog expression in three hybrids of a C. auratus red var. (2n = 100, ♀) (R) and C. carpio (2n = 100, ♂) (C) (i.e., F1, F18, and G4) and their original parents. A comparison of homoeolog expression between G4 and F18 identified 7 genes (0.22%) that exhibited novel R/C homoeolog expression patterns in G4, while 4 genes (0.12%) were affected by R/C homoeolog silencing. We determined the direction and extent of the homoeolog expression bias (HEB). The C-HEB genes (i.e., nrp1a and igf1) and R-HEB genes (i.e., fgf23 and esm1) provided insights into the effects of the dominance of one parental homoeolog expression on growth regulation. This dominance may contribute to the rapid growth of G4 fish. Our findings may be relevant for clarifying the relationship between growth heterosis and differences in homoeolog expression patterns.

Hox genes reveal genomic DNA variation in tetraploid hybrids derived from Carassius auratus red var. (female) \xd7 Megalobrama amblycephala (male)

BackgroundAllotetraploid F1 hybrids (4nF1) (AABB, 4n = 148) were generated from the distant hybridization of Carassius auratus red var. (RCC) (AA, 2n = 100) (♀) × Megalobrama amblycephala (BSB) (BB, 2n = 48) (♂). It has been reported that Hox gene clusters are highly conserved among plants and vertebrates. In this study, we investigated the genomic organization of Hox gene clusters in the allotetraploid F1 hybrids and their parents to investigate the polyploidization process.ResultsThere were three copies of Hox genes in the 4nF1 hybrids, two copies in RCC and one copy in BSB. In addition, obvious variation and pseudogenization were observed in some Hox genes from 4nF1.ConclusionOur results reveal the influence of polyploidization on the organization and evolution of Hox gene clusters in fish and also clarify some aspects of vertebrate genome evolution.

Comparative transcriptome analysis of molecular mechanism underlying gray-to-red body color formation in red crucian carp (Carassius auratus, red var.).

Red crucian carp (Carassius auratus red var.) is an ornamental fish with vivid red/orange color. It has been found that the adult body color of this strain forms a gray-to-red change. In this study, skin transcriptomes of red crucian carp are first obtained for three different stages of body color development, named by gray-color (GC), color-variation (CV), and red-color (RC) stages, respectively. From the skins of GC, CV, and RC, 103,229; 108,208; and 120,184 transcripts have been identified, respectively. Bioinformatics analysis reveals that 2483, 2967, and 4473 unigenes are differentially expressed between CV and GC, RC and CV, and RC and GC, respectively. A part of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) are involved in the signaling pathway of pigment synthesis, such as the melanogenesis genes (Mitfa, Pax3a, Foxd3, Mc1r, Asip); tyrosine metabolism genes (Tyr, Dct, Tyrp1, Silva, Tat, Hpda); and pteridine metabolism genes (Gch, Xdh, Ptps, Tc). According to the data of transcriptome and quantitative PCR, the expression of Mitfa and its regulated genes which include the genes of Tyr, Tyrp1, Dct, Tfe3a, and Baxα, decreases with gray-to-red change. It is suggested that Mitfa and some genes, being related to melanin synthesis or melanophore development, are closely related to the gray-to-red body color transformation in the red crucian carp. Furthermore, the DEGs of cell apoptosis and autophagy pathway, such as Tfe3a, Baxα, Hsp70, Beclin1, Lc3, Atg9a, and Atg4a, might be involved in the melanocytes fade away of juvenile fish. These results shed light on the regulation mechanism of gray-to-red body color transformation in red crucian carp, and are helpful to the selective breeding of ornamental fish strains.

The complete mitochondrial genome of the hybrid Furong-crucian [Cyprinus capio Furong (♀) × Carassius auratus red var (♂)

The complete mitochondrial genome of the hybrid of Cyprinus capio Furong (♀) × Carassius auratus red var. (♂) was characterized first in this study. The total length of the mitochondrial genome of Furong-crucian was identical to the female parent as 16,581 bp, and the overall base composition was 31.87% A, 24.81% T, 27.56% C and 15.76% G, with a slight A + T bias. It contained 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes and 2 main non-coding regions (the control region and the origin of the light-strand replication). This study discovered the 99.3% sequence identity between the hybrid and its female parent, which confirmed the maternal inheritance pattern followed by the mitochondrial genome of the hybrid. However, the sequence alignment of mitochondrial genomes between the hybrid and its female parent revealed a total of 109 variable sites in 18 genes or regions, especially 32 sense mutations in 9 PCGs. The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of this hybrid Furong-crucian may provide an important dataset for further study in mitochondrial inheritance mechanism.

The chromosomal constitution of fish hybrid lineage revealed by 5S rDNA FISH.

BackgroundThe establishment of the bisexual fertile fish hybrid lineage including the allodiploid and allotetraploid hybrids, from interspecific hybridization of red crucian carp (Carassius auratus red var. 2n = 100, 2n = AA) (♀) × common carp (Cyprinus carpio L. 2n = 100, 2n = BB) (♂), provided a good platform to investigate genetic relationship between the parents and their hybrid progenies.ResultsThe chromosomal inheritance of diploid and allotetraploid hybrid progenies in successive generations, was studied by applying 5S rDNA fluorescence in situ hybridization. Signals of 5S rDNA distinguished the chromosomal constitution of common carp (B-genome) from red crucian carp (A-genome), in which two strong signals were observed on the first submetacentric chromosome, while no major signal was found in common carp. After fish hybridization, one strong signal of 5S rDNA was detected in the same locus on the chromosome of diploid hybrids. As expected, two strong signals were observed in 4nF3 tetraploid hybrids offspring and it is worth mentioning that two strong signals were detected in a separating bivalent of a primary spermatocyte in 4nF3. Furthermore, the mitosis of heterozygous chromosomes was shown normal and stable with blastular tissue histological studies.ConclusionsWe revealed that 5S rDNA signal can be applied to discern A-genome from B-genome, and that 5S rDNA bearing chromosomes can be stably passed down in successive generations. Our work provided a significant method in fish breeding and this is important for studies in fish evolutionary biology.

Inheritance of the complete mitochondrial genomes in three different ploidy fishes.

Diploid natural gynogenetic goldfish (2nGRCG), triploid hybrids (3nRB) and tetraploid hybrids (4nRB) are generated by distant hybridization of red common goldfish (RCG, Carassius auratus red var.) and blunt snout bream (BSB, Megalobrama amblycephala). In the present study, we obtained the complete mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) sequences of the hybrid offspring and compared them with the homologous sequences of RCG and BSB. All mtDNA sequences of these hybrids were 16,580bp in length, and the genes number, size, and order were quite similar to that of RCG. Genetic analysis revealed that the mtDNA sequences of these hybrids had high similarity (>99%) and low divergence (<2%) to their maternal RCG, yet lower similarities (84%) and higher divergences (16%) to their paternal BSB. The phylogenetic analysis also showed that the sequences of 2nGRCG, 3nRB and 4nRB were clustered with RCG rather than with BSB. These results indicate that the mitochondrial genomes of 2nGRCG, 3nRB and 4nRB remain maternally inherited after hybridization and polyploidization. Moreover, clade separation of hybrid offspring from their paternal BSB in the phylogenetic tree implies that phylogenetic analysis of mtDNA is incomplete for elucidating the true relationships between different species, particularly when they have undergone hybridization or allopolyploidization. Our study provides significant information for both evolution and genetic studies of mtDNA for hybrid species and allopolyploidization species.

Identification and analysis of the jnk1 gene in polyploid hybrids of red crucian carp (Carassius auratus red var.) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.)

c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) is an important member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase superfamily. The allotetraploid crucian carp is a product of distant hybridization of female red crucian carp with male common carp. It is the first natural case of an allotetraploid with stable genetic characters, including fertility of both female and male animals. In this study, 2 jnk1 cDNAs (including jnk1a and jnk1b) have been cloned from the polyploid crucian carp system, consisting of the allotetraploid crucian carp, the triploid crucian carp, and their original parents (red crucian and common carp). We show that jnk1a and jnk1b represent 2 splice forms arising from the jnk1 gene. On the basis of the genetic structure of jnk1a gene in the polyploid crucian carp system, we demonstrated that the allotetraploid crucian carp is phylogenetically closer to its paternal parent (common carp) than to its maternal parent. We further show a similarity between the triploid crucian carp and its original female parent (red crucian carp). Comparisons of genetic structures indicated that the jnk1b genes of allotetraploid and triploid crucian carp are more similar to those of the original paternal parent rather than the original female parent (red crucian carp). RT-PCR analysis indicated that both the jnk1a and jnk1b genes are widely expressed in fish embryos and in the adult organs, displaying distinct features of embryonic-stage and organ specificity in the polyploid crucian carp system.

Enhanced bioaccumulation of pentachlorophenol in carp in the presence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes

The impact of suspended particles on the bioavailability of pollutants has long been a controversial topic. In this study, adsorption of pentachlorophenol (PCP) onto a natural suspended particulate matter (SPM) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was studied. Facilitated transports of PCP into carp by SPM and MWCNTs were evaluated by bioaccumulation tests exposing carp (Carassius auratus red var.) to PCP-contaminated water in the presence of SPM and MWCNTs, respectively. Desorption of PCP on SPM and MWCNTs in simulated digested fluids was also investigated. The results demonstrate that MWCNTs (K F = 7.99 × 10(4)) had a significantly stronger adsorption capacity for PCP than the SPM (K F = 19.0). The presence of SPM and MWCNTs both improved PCP accumulation in the carp during the 21 days of exposure, and the 21 days PCP concentration in the carp was enhanced by 25.9 and 12.8 % than that without particles, respectively. The enhancement in bioaccumulation by MWCNTs was less than that by the SPM. Considerably more PCP was accumulated in the viscera of the fish (BCF = 519495 for SPM and 148955 for MWCNTs), and the difference in PCP concentrations between different tissues became greater with particles. PCP desorption in the simulated digestive fluids was faster than that in the background solution. Compared to MWCNTs-bound PCP, more SPM-bound PCP was desorbed, and K F of desorption for SPM was at least 4 orders of magnitude higher than that for MWCNTs, which can explain the greater enhancement in bioaccumulation in the presence of SPM. Particle-bound pollutants might pose more risk than pollutants alone.

The cloning of cdc2 cDNAs and a comparative study of its expression in different ploidy fishes including the diploid gynogenetic hybrid of red crucian carp×common carp

Cdc2(Cyclin Dependent Kinase,namely CDK1)encoded by cdc2 gene and CyclinB combination regulates G2/M transition.To find out molecular mechanism that diploid hybrid fish could produce diploid gamete,the full length cDNAs of cdc2 in the third gynogenetic generation(G3),red crucian carp(Carassius auratus red var.),triploid crucian carp and allotetraploid were obtained by PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA ends.Our data showed that all the cDNAs of cdc2 gene in the four different ploidy fishes encode a protein of 302 amino acids containing a domain(PSTAVRE)which combine Cyclins.A high homology of 97.6% of the Cdc2 protein can be drawn by comparing the amino acid sequences in these four fishes,which indicates the higher conservative function and evolution of Cdc2 protein in these four fishes.A comparative expression pattern of cdc2 in early-stage gonads of G3 and different ploidy fishes was carried out by Real-time PCR using specific primers against the same sequences of coding regions in the four fishes.The results showed that the expression of cdc2 in the ovary of G3 was higher than those of red crucian carp and triploid crucian carp,while lower than that of allotetraploid,which,at the molecular level,indicates existence of polyploid oogonia in early-stage gonads of G3.The higher expression of cdc2 in G3 suggests that consecutive S-phase replication may occur without intervening mitosis,which might be related to the formation mechanisms for the diploid eggs generated by diploid hybrids.

Massive production of all-female diploids and triploids in the crucian carp.

In many species of aquaculture importance, all-female and sterile populations possess superior productivity due to faster growth and a relatively homogenous size of individuals. However, the production of all-female and sterile fish in a large scale for aquaculture is a challenge in practice, because treatments necessary for gynogenesis induction usually cause massive embryonic and larval mortality, and the number of induced gynogens is too small for their direct use in aquaculture. Here we report the massive production of all-female triploid crucian carp by combining artificial gynogenesis, sex reversal and diploid-tetraploid hybridization. Previously, we have obtained an allotetraploid carp population (4n = 200) by hybridization between red crucian carp (Carassius auratus red var; ♀) and common carp (Cyprinus carpio; ♂). We induced all-female diploid gynogens of the Japanese crucian carp (Carassius cuvieri; 2n = 100). We also generated male diploid gynogens of the same species treated gynogenetic fry with 17-α-methyltestosterone, leading to the production of sex-revered gynogenetic males. Finally, these males were used to cross with the female diploid Japanese crucian carp gynogens and the allotetraploid females, resulting in the production of fertile all-female diploid Japanese crucian carp (2n=100) and sterile all-female triploid hybrids (3n = 150), respectively. Therefore, diploid crucian carp gynogenetic females and sex-reversed male together with an allotetraploid line provide an opportunity to produce all-female triploid populations in a large scale to meet demands in aquaculture industry.

Distant hybridization leads to different ploidy fishes

Distant hybridization makes it possible to transfer the genome of one species to another, which results in changes in phenotypes and genotypes of the progenies. This study shows that distant hybridization or the combination of this method with gynogenesis or androgenesis lead to different ploidy fishes with genetic variation, including fertile tetraploid hybrids, sterile triploid hybrids, fertile diploid hybrids, fertile diploid gynogenetic fish, and their derived progenies. The formations of the different ploidy fishes depend on the genetic relationship between the parents. In this study, several types of distant hybridization, including red crucian carp (Carassius auratus red var.) (2n=100, abbreviated as RCC) (female) x common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) (2n=100, abbreviated as CC) (male), and RCC (2n=100) (female) x blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) (2n=48, abbreviated as BSB) (male) are described. In the distant hybridization of RCC (female) x CC (male), bisexual fertile F(3)-F(18) allotetraploid hybrids (4n=200, abbreviated as 4nAT) were formed. The diploid hybrid eggs and diploid sperm generated by the females and males of 4nAT developed into diploid gynogenetic hybrids and diploid androgenetic hybrids, respectively, by gynogenesis and androgenesis, without treatment for doubling the chromosome. Improved tetraploid hybrids and improved diploid fishes with genetic variation were derived from the gynogenetic hybrid line. The improved diploid fishes included the high-body RCC and high-body goldfish. The formation of the tetraploid hybrids was related to the occurrence of unreduced gametes generated from the diploid hybrids, which involved in premeiotic endoreduplication, endomitosis, or fusion of germ cells. The sterile triploid hybrids (3n=150) were produced on a large scale by crossing the males of tetraploid hybrids with females of diploid fish (2n=100). In another distant hybridization of RCC (female) x BSB (male), different ploidy fishes were obtained, including diploid bisexual fertile natural gynogenetic fish (2n=100), sterile triploid hybrids (3n=124), and bisexual fertile tetraploid hybrids (4n=148). Furthermore, two kinds of pentaploid hybrids (5n=172 and 5n=198) were formed. The biological characteristics and the mechanisms of formation of the different ploidy fish were compared and discussed at the cellular and molecular level. The results indicated distant hybridization or the combination of this method with gynogenesis or androgenesis affects the formation of different ploidy fish with genetic variation.

Characterization of a Novel Tc1-Like Transposon From Bream (Cyprinidae, Megalobrama) and Its Genetic Variation in the Polyploidy Progeny of Bream–Red Crucian Carp Crosses

Crossing the cyprinids diploid blunt snout bream Megalobrama amblycephala (BSB) and Carassius auratus red var. (RCC) generated sterile triploid (3nRB) and fertile tetraploid (4nRB) hybrid offspring. Utilizing inverted terminal repeats (ITRs) of transposon Tdr1 from Danio rerio as PCR primer, the results showed that evident change in the number of Tc1-like transposons in 4nRB relative to BSB occurred, whereas such change did not arise in 3nRB compared to BSB. No Tc1-like transposon was found in RCC. A novel transposon was isolated from both BSB and 3nRB and designated as Tma1, which consisted of multiple copies after dot-blot hybridization. Based on the analysis of PCR amplified flanking sequence, characterization of Tma1 indicated that this element flanked by a duplicated TA dinucleotide and harbored an ITR of about 224 bp. Tma1 also harbored an incomplete transposase gene. Another novel transposon designated as Tte1 was detected in 4nRB, which harbored an ITR of roughly 130 bp and consisted of multiple copies, but had no transposase gene. The analysis of PCR amplification and Southern blot hybridization showed that DNAs of 4nRB, which were hybridized to DIG-labeled pTma1, did not give band by PCR with Tma1 primer, on the other hand, 7 of 15 DNA samples from BSB, which were hybridized to DIG-labeled pTte1, did not produce band by PCR with Tte1 primer. These results suggest that Tte1 may be a recent invasion in BSB population and burst in 4nRB offspring. Our data provide clues as to the possible role of transposons as a driving mechanism for genomic evolution.

Comparative analysis and evolutionary significance of the HMG1 gene in crucian carp, blunt snout bream, and their polyploid progeny

The full-length mRNA of the high mobility group protein 1 coding gene ( HMG1) was obtained by RACE-PCR from red crucian carp ( Carassius auratus red var.), blunt snout bream ( Megalobrama amblycephala), and their triploid and tetraploid progeny. The sequence contained an open reading frame of 579 nucleotides coding for 193 amino acids. The nucleotide identity of HMG1 was higher between the tetraploid hybrid and the maternal red crucian carp (99%) than between the tetraploid hybrid and the paternal blunt snout bream (97%). The nucleotide identity between the triploid hybrids and each parent (95%) was lower than that between the parents (98%). The protein identity between the tetraploid hybrid and each parent (100%) was higher than that between the triploid hybrid and each parent (97%). Our results suggest that interspecific hybridization generates a shock to the HMG1 gene in triploid hybrids, causing divergence of nucleotides. The HMG1 protein of the tetraploid hybrids was consistent with that of its parents, which reduced the barrier of cross incompatibility between alleles, providing the basis for the bisexual fertile tetraploid hybrids forming a new polyploid species in nature. The secondary and tertiary structures of the HMG1 protein contain eight helices, three switches, two DNA-binding domains in the N-terminus, and a long acidic tail in the C-terminus. Together, these data suggest that the HMG1 protein plays a role of protein–DNA interactions, facilitating various DNA-dependent activities in the nucleus. We also investigated the phylogeny of fish, amphibian, reptilian, bird, and mammalian HMG1 proteins. Our results suggest that HMG1 is an ancestral protein that has been highly conserved. These data provide clues as to how interspecific hybridization may form polyploid hybrids.

The formation of improved tetraploid population of red crucian carp × common carp hybrids by androgenesis

Bisexual fertile diploid androgenetic individuals (A(0)) (2n=100) were formed by androgenesis. In this way, the diploid spermatozoa from male allotetraploid hybrids (AT) (4n=200) of red crucian carp (Carassius auratus red var.) (female) x common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) (male) were used to fertilize the UV-treated haploid eggs of goldfish (Carassius auratus), and living androgenetic diploid fish were developed. The A(0) became sexually mature at the age of 2 years, and they fertilized with each other to form their offspring (A(1)). In this study, we observed the chromosomal number, gonadal structure and appearance of A(1) fish. The results are as follows: (1) In A(1), there were 85% tetraploids (A(1)-4n), 10% triploids (A(1)-3n) and 5% diploids (A(1)-2n), suggesting that diploid A(0) could produce diploid gametes. It was concluded that the formation of diploid gametes generated from diploid A(0) was probably related to the mechanism of pre-meiotic endoreduplication. (2) Among A(1), only A(1)-4n possessed normal ovaries and testes. The mature males of A1-4n produced white semen. Under the electron microscope, the head of diploid sperm generated by A(1)-4n was bigger than that of haploid sperm generated by red crucian carp. In the testes of the A(1)-4n, there were many mature normal spermatozoa with a head bearing plasma membrane and a tail having the typical structure of "9+2" microtubules. Between the head and the tail, there were some mitochondria. The ovaries of A(1)-4n developed well and mainly contained II, III and IV-stage oocytes. The IV-stage oocytes were surrounded by inner and outer follicular cells. The micropyle was observed on the oolemma of follicular cells. There were abundant yolks and plenty of endoplasmic reticulum in the cytoplasm of IV-stage oocytes. Because A(1)-2n and A(1)-3n were distant crossing diploid hybrids and triploid hybrids respectively, they possessed abnormal gonads, and no mature semen and eggs were observed. (3) Compared with allotetraploids, the A(1)-4n fish not only had advantages such as fast growth rate and strong resistibility but also showed some new good performances such as high ratio of body width to body length, smaller heads and shorter tails. These results indicated that androgenesis could produce bisexual fertile tetraploids and improve the shape of allotetraploid hybrids as well, which will be of great significance in both the cell genetics research and fish breeding.

Comparative studies on histological and ultra-structure of the pituitary of different ploidy level fishes

The histological and ultra-structure of the pituitary in diploid red crucian carp (Carassius auratus red var.), triploid crucian carp and allotetraploid hybrids within and after the breeding season were comparatively studied. The result showed that there were six endocrine cell types in the pituitary of these three kinds of fishes, and there was an obvious difference in cell size among different ploidy level fishes. As for the same type of pituitary cells, the cell size was increased gradually with the increasing ploidy level. In the breeding season, the allotetraploid hybrids had higher proportion of gonadotropin cells (GTH) than triploids, and the triploids had higher proportion of GTH than diploids. The results were related to the earlier sexual maturity of allotetraploid hybrids and sterility of triploid crucian carp. On the other hand, among the three kinds of fishes, the proportion of somatotropin (STH) cells in triploids crucian carp was the highest, whereas that in allotetraploid hybrids was the lowest. The results might be connected with the faster growth rate of triploids and slower growth rate of allotetraploid hybrids. In addition, in GTH cells of meso-adenohypophysis after the breeding season, there were many endocrine particles in triploids, while those endocrine particles were released from the cells in allotetraploids and diploids. This result showed that the sterility of triploid crucian carp might be related to the hormone which was not released from the GTH cells. In a word, the present study indicated that the differences in the structure of pituitary among different ploidy level fishes contributed to their difference in the growth rate and gonadal development.

Induced interspecific androgenesis using diploid sperm from allotetraploid hybrids of common carp×red crucian carp

In the present study, viable diploid androgenetic individuals (AT-ag) (2 n = 100) have been developed in UV-radiated eggs of goldfish (GF) ( Carassius auratus) following fertilization with diploid spermatozoa from male allotetraploid hybrid (AT) F 13 (4 n = 200) of red crucian carp ( C. auratus red var.) (♀) × common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) (♂). In the experimental groups, eggs were inactivated by UV-rays, the range of UV-radiation dose tested varied from 240 to 600 mJ/cm 2, the relative high hatching rate (4.1 ± 0.4%) and survival from hatching to start of feeding (41.3 ± 2.6%) were given at UV dose of 300 mJ/cm 2. The androgenetic nature was confirmed by chromosome observation and DNA content measurement of somatic cells by a flow cytometer. The AT-ag were diploid (2 n = 100) whereas the controls (GF × AT) were triploids (3 n = 150). The diploid AT-ag grew slower than the triploid GF × AT. The AT-ag and GF × AT were also morphologically distinguishable. The AT-ag began to sexually mature at the age of 2 years, and their fertility further increased at the age of 3 years. The tetraploids were obtained in the offspring (F 1ag × ag ) produced by mating the males with females of AT-ag and in the progeny (AT-ag × AT) generated by crossing the males of AT with the females of AT-ag, indicating that diploid AT-ag could produce diploid gametes. All the sex ratios of males to females in AT-ag, F 1ag × ag , AT-ag × AT were not significant ( P > 0.05) from the ratio of 1:1, suggesting the XXXY sex-determining mechanism in the males of AT. The present study indicated that bisexual fertile diploid AT-ag were successfully induced from diploid spermatozoa of AT.

The formation of tetraploid stocks of red crucian carp×common carp hybrids as an effect of interspecific hybridization

F 3–F 8 hybrids of red crucian carp ( Carassius auratus red var.) (♀)×common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) (♂) were found to be allotetraploids by examining the numbers and karyotypes of chromosomes, the DNA content of red blood cells, and the mean nuclear erythrocyte volumes. The chromosome numbers of F 3–F 8 were 4 n=200. The chromosome numbers of two types of triploids produced by mating F 3–F 8 (♂), respectively, with diploid Japanese crucian carp ( C. auratus cuvieri T. et S.) (♀) and Xingguo red carp (♀) were 3 n=150. The mean DNA content of F 3 and the triploid are, respectively, two times and 1.5 times of that of diploid Japanese crucian carp. F 3 hybrids had mean erythrocyte nuclear volumes about two times larger than diploid Japanese crucian carp. The hybrids F 3–F 8 were fertile. It is easy for F 3–F 8 to produce their tetraploid offspring. The triploids were sterile. Based on the analysis of karyotype and the intermediate appearance with two pairs of small bases of barbels, F 3–F 8 hybrids were proved to be allotetraploids with two chromosome sets of red crucian carp and two chromosome sets of common carp. It is concluded that the females and males of F 2 hybrids were able to produce, respectively, diploid eggs and diploid spermatozoa and they fertilized to form tetraploid fish.